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Pet-Related Infections Human contact with cats, dogs, and other pets results in several million infections each year in the United States, ranging from self-limited skin conditions to life-threatening systemic illnesses. Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common pet-related parasitic infections. Although toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic or mild, it may cause serious congenital infection if a woman is exposed during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. Common pet-borne fungal infections include tinea corporis/capitis (ringworm); campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis are among the most common bacterial infections associated with pet ownership. Less commonly, pets can transmit arthropod-borne and viral illnesses (e.g., scabies, rabies). Infection in a pet can provide sentinel warning of local vectors and endemic conditions, such as Lyme disease risk. Treatment is infection-specific, although many infections are selflimited. Prevention involves common sense measures such as adequate hand washing, proper disposal of animal waste, and ensuring that infected animals are diagnosed and treated. Special precautions are indicated for immunocompromised persons. Increased communication between primary care physicians and veterinarians could improve treatment and prevention of these conditions. (Am Fam Physician 2007;76:1314-22. Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Family Physicians.) M ost human infectious diseases are zoonotic in origin; consequently, many infections can pass between pets and people. The scope of the problem is not well understood because many zoonotic diseases are underdiagnosed or not reportable to health authorities. A 1987 study estimated that approximately 4 million pet-derived infections occur annually in the United States with direct medical costs in excess of $300 million.1 Since then, the pet population has continued to increase. More than 50 percent of U.S. households have at least one pet. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that between 1996 and 2001 the U.S. population of dogs and cats grew by 16 percent to 62 million dogs and 68 million cats.2 The booming international trade in exotic pets led to an outbreak of monkeypox traced to imported African rodents. The encroachment of suburbs into formerly rural areas has increased contact between domestic pets and wildlife pathogens. ILLUSTRATION BY todd buck PETER M. RABINOWITZ, MD, MPH, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut ZIMRA GORDON, DVM, MPH, Rippowam Animal Hospital, Stamford, Connecticut LYNDA ODOFIN, DVM, MSPH, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut At the same time, survey results have suggested that many physicians are uncomfortable advising patients about the health risks of animal contact.3 Because most pet- associated infections are preventable with simple measures, greater awareness on the part of family physicians could help reduce the impact of these conditions. Specific Conditions Table 1 outlines the key aspects of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of infections associated with domestic pets in the United States.4-16 Although the list is not exhaustive, it attempts to present the most common and clinically significant infections according to type of organism. Readers are advised to consult infectious-disease references for comprehensive information about treatment of particular conditions.6 parasitic infections Toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoa Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the Downloaded from the American Family Physician Web site at www.aafp.org/afp. Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Family Physicians. For the private, noncommercial use of one individual user of the Web site. All other rights reserved. Contact [email protected] for copyright questions and/or permission requests. Pet-Related Infections SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE Clinical recommendation Wash hands after handling pets and avoid contact with pet feces. High-risk persons* should avoid contact with reptiles (i.e., turtles, lizards, and snakes), baby chicks and ducklings, puppies and kittens younger than six months, and pets with diarrhea. High-risk persons* should exercise caution at petting zoos and farms. Pregnant women should keep their cats indoors, should avoid handling cat litter, and should not feed cats uncooked meat. Evidence rating References C C 42 42, 43 C C 42, 43 42 *—Infants and children younger than five years, and persons who are older, immunocompromised, or pregnant. A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence; B = inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence; C = consensus, diseaseoriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series. For information about the SORT evidence rating system, see page 1262 or http:// www.aafp.org/afpsort.xml. most common zoonoses. The parasite undergoes sexual reproduction in cats and is excreted as an unsporulated oocyst. After two to three days, the oocysts develop spores that are infective. Risk factors for toxoplasmosis include direct contact with cat feces (e.g., cleaning the litter box, gardening in feces-contaminated soil), and consumption of undercooked meat.17 Dogs have been implicated as mechanical vectors of toxoplasmosis because of their inclination for rolling in feces and carcasses. Toxoplasmosis in adults is usually asymptomatic, but patients may develop cervical lymphadenopathy and a mononucleosis-like illness that is generally self-limited. Rarely, acute infection in pregnant women, especially during the first trimester, can cause serious congenital infection. It can also cause severe disease in immunocompromised persons. Toxocariasis. Roundworm infection (toxocariasis) caused by the ascarid Toxocara canis (dogs) and Toxocara cati (cats) is one of the most common zoonotic infections associated with dogs and cats.18 Young children become infected by ingesting soil contaminated with animal feces that contains parasite eggs in areas such as playgrounds and sandboxes.19 Because of transplacental and transmammary animal transmission, many puppies are born infected and pose a particular risk. Most human infection is asymptomatic, in part because the larvae cannot complete their life cycle in humans. Eosinophilia is common. Rarely, the parasite migrates to the liver or lungs (visceral larva migrans) or to the eyes (ocular larva migrans). The annual U.S. incidence of visceral larva migrans has been estimated at 10,000 cases, whereas the annual incidence of ocular larva migrans has been estimated at 700 cases. Cutaneous Larva Migrans. Cutaneous larva migrans is a common condition caused by dog and cat hookworms November 1, 2007 ◆ Volume 76, Number 9 (Ancylostoma spp.). Fecal matter deposited on soil or sand may contain hookworm eggs that hatch and release larvae that are infective if they penetrate skin. Walking barefoot on contaminated beaches or park land can lead to infection. Although the larvae cannot reproduce in a human host, a pruritic papule forms at the site of infection, followed by an erythematous, serpiginous “track” that advances as the larvae migrate in the skin (Figure 1), with itching that is worse at night. Echinococcosis. Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is caused by the cestodes (tapeworms) Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis. Dogs and other canids are the definitive hosts for E. granulosus and may become infected by eating the viscera of animals such as sheep or rabbits infected with the cysts. Humans may become infected by ingesting eggs shed in dog feces. Most of the cases in the United States occur in specific risk groups such as sheep farmers, Native Americans, and immigrants.20 After years of silent infection, enlarging cysts in the liver or lung (Figure 2) may cause symptoms including abdominal pain and chest pain and in some cases can affect other areas of the body such as the brain, bones, and heart. E. multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis, which primarily affects the liver, can be confused with hepatic carcinoma, and has a higher case-fatality rate than cystic echinococcosis. Although the risk of human exposure to E. multilocularis is considered to be less than for E. granulosus, cats and dogs may serve as hosts, and there is concern that increases in infected fox and rodent populations in urban areas could lead to greater emergence of E. multilocularis infection in pets and their owners.21 Dipylidium Caninum. A more common tapeworm infection in cats and dogs is Dipylidium caninum. Fleas are intermediate hosts, and humans, especially children, www.aafp.org/afp American Family Physician 1315 Table 1. Overview of Domestic Pet-Related Infections* in the United States Disease Parasitic Toxoplasmosis Visceral larva migrans Ocular larva migrans Cutaneous larva migrans Cystic echinococcosis Alveolar echinococcosis Dipylidiasis Cryptosporidiosis Route of infection Signs and symptoms Ingestion of oocysts in soil/fomites, undercooked meat Immunocompetent: asymptomatic or lymphadenopathy Congenital: congenital defects Immunocompromised: febrile syndrome, meningitis Eosinophilia, cough, wheezing, fever, seizures, hepatosplenomegaly Endophthalmitis, choroidal granuloma Ingestion (usually by a child) of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil or feces Ingestion (usually by a child) of Toxocara spp. eggs in soil or feces Skin contact with soil Ingestion of animal feces containing Echinococcus eggs Ingestion of animal feces containing Echinococcus eggs Ingestion of infected fleas Serpiginous rash, itching Cysts in liver or lungs, symptoms if rupture, mass effect Cysts in liver, jaundice, pain Often asymptomatic, anal itching, abdominal pain Contact with infected pet feces (e.g., dog, cat, ferret, rodent) Contact with infected pet feces (e.g., dog, cat, ferret, rodent) Diarrhea Fungal Tinea corporis/capitis Physical contact/petting Erythematous plaques, alopecia Bacterial Campylobacteriosis Salmonellosis Ingestion through contact Ingestion through contact Diarrhea, fever Diarrhea, fever, septicemia Pasteurellosis Cat-scratch disease Psittacosis Brucellosis Bites, scratches Scratch or bite Inhalation of bird droppings or nasal secretions Contact with infected dogs Wound infection Swelling at site of skin lesion, lymphadenopathy Influenza-like illness, atypical pneumonia Fever, weight loss, adenopathy, splenomegaly Leptospirosis Contact with urine or secretions (usually dog) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Lyme disease Contact with infected animal Influenza-like illness, conjunctival suffusion, fever, jaundice Colonization, soft tissue infection, pneumonia Plague Tularemia Fish tank granuloma Contact with infected cats Ticks, contact with infected cats Contact with fish aquarium Erythema chronicum migrans rash, fever, headache, arthritis, carditis Fever, myalgia, lymphadenopathy Influenza-like illness, lymphadenopathy, pneumonia Localized granuloma Contact Itching, papular rash Bites, scratches Encephalitis Petting, kissing animal (e.g., guinea pigs, other rodents) Direct contact with infected rodents Influenza-like illness, severe disease in immunocompromised persons Fever, headache, cough, adenopathy, vesicular papular rash Giardiasis Arthropod Scabies Viral Rabies Lymphocytic choriomeningitis Monkeypox Ticks from pet Diarrhea CT = computed tomography; ELISA = enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; IFA = immunofluorescence assay; KOH = potassium hydroxide; PCR = polymerase chain reaction; TMP/SMX = trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole; WBC = white blood cell. *—Listed by type of pathogen and clinical importance (i.e., how common and how much morbidity). Information from references 4 through 16. Diagnosis Primary treatment Serology, biopsy Pregnancy: spiramycin (investigational in United States) Chorioretinitis: pyrimethamine (Daraprim) plus sulfadiazine plus leucovorin plus prednisone 4 Eosinophilia, elevated WBC count, ELISA Albendazole (Albenza) 5 Eosinophilia, slit lamp, eosinophils in aqueous humor Typical lesion, biopsy CT, ultrasonography Steroids5 CT, ultrasonography Ivermectin (Stromectol) 6 Percutaneous aspiration, saline injection, and re-aspiration6; albendazole Surgical resection6; albendazole Eosinophilia, stool ova and parasites examination for proglottids Stool studies Praziquantel (Biltricide) 6 Stool studies, string test, endoscopy Tinidazole (Tindamax), nitazoxanide6 KOH prep Topical or oral antifungal7,8 Stool WBC count, culture Stool WBC count, culture Serology Azithromycin (Zithromax)7 If asymptomatic or mild, antimicrobial not indicated Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)7 Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin)7 Azithromycin7 Doxycycline (Vibramycin), erythromycin7 Doxycycline plus gentamicin (Garamycin; brand not available in the United States) or streptomycin9 Penicillin G, doxycycline, ceftriaxone (Rocephin)7,10 Gram stain, culture Treatment based on sensitivity testing Western blot test Early: doxycycline, amoxicillin, cefuroxime (Ceftin)11 ELISA, culture ELISA Biopsy, culture Gentamicin, streptomycin12 Gentamicin13 Clarithromycin (Biaxin), minocycline (Minocin), doxycycline, TMP/SMX (Bactrim, Septra), rifampin (Rifadin) plus ethambutol (Myambutol), surgical excision14 Skin scraping Permethrin (Acticin), ivermectin7,15 Biopsy Serology Vaccine prophylaxis; case report of survival with induction of coma and other treatment16 No specific antiviral therapy Virus isolation, PCR No proven antiviral therapy 7 Culture IFA serology, biopsy Serology Blood culture, ELISA Nitazoxanide (Alinia) 6 Pet-Related Infections can become infected by ingesting infected fleas. Fortunately, human infections are usually mild or asymptomatic and are believed to occur only sporadically. Other Parasitic Infections. Cats and dogs, as well as ferrets, rodents, and other animals kept as pets, may be carriers of the intestinal parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia lamblia. Although cases of pet-to-human transmission have been reported, the frequency with which such transmission occurs is unknown. fungal infections Figure 1. Characteristic rash of cutaneous larva migrans. Copyright © Logical Images, Inc. After parasitic infections, fungal skin infections (cutaneous dermatophytosis, or ringworm) from contact with cats and dogs are probably the most common pet-associated diseases, causing an estimated 2 million or more infections each year.1 Cats may be more infectious than dogs, and even asymptomatic animals may transmit infection. bacterial infections Figure 2. Hydatid cyst of the liver. The Royal College Surgeons of Edinburg. Accessed August 17, 2007, at http://www.edu.rcsed.ac.uk/operations/op13.htm. The rightsholder did not grant rights to reproduce this item in electronic media. For the missing item, see the original print version of this publication. Figure 3. Cat-scratch disease showing inflammation of the lymph node. Division of Pediatric Surgery, Brown Medical School. Accessed August 17, 2007, at http://bms.brown.edu/pedisurg/Brown/IBImages/SkinST/ Catscratch.html. 1318 American Family Physician Campylobacteriosis and Salmonellosis. Perhaps the most common bacterial infections associated with pet ownership are campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis. Many animals, including cats and dogs, are carriers of Campylobacter spp., and transmission between pets and humans (presumably through fecal-oral contact) has been estimated to cause more than 200,000 cases of gastroenteritis per year.1 Salmonella is also common in cats, dogs, chicks, ducklings, and reptiles, such as turtles and iguanas. Serious human salmonella infection from pets is a significant public health problem, particularly in children.22 Recent outbreaks of multidrug-resistant salmonella have been traced to infected pet food derived from animal sources, as well as contact with pet rodents.23 Cat-Scratch Disease. Exposure to young cats or cats with fleas is a risk factor for infection with Bartonella henselae, the cause of cat-scratch disease. Although catscratch disease was originally thought to be a children’s disease, almost one half of cases are now believed to occur in persons older than 20 years.24 The clinical manifestations of infection are an inoculation lesion at the point of injury and inflammation of nearby lymph nodes several weeks later (Figure 3). Complications of infection in immunocompromised persons include bacillary angiomatosis and Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome. Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases in the world, and Leptospira spp. are carried by a variety of wildlife and domestic animals. In the United States, the disease remains uncommon, but it may be increasing in incidence.25 Dogs appear to www.aafp.org/afp Volume 76, Number 9 ◆ November 1, 2007 Pet-Related Infections be infected more often than cats. Humans can become infected through contact with contaminated urine or other body fluids (except saliva), water, and soil. Human infection is usually asymptomatic or a mild influenzalike illness, but in some cases it can produce high fever, severe headache, hepatitis, conjunctival suffusion (dilation of blood vessels without inflammation), abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash and, in severe cases, renal failure, heart failure, and death. MRSA. Patients infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can pass the infection to their dogs, cats, or other pets through normal daily contact, leading to human reinfection despite appropriate therapy. Similarly, health care workers occupationally infected with MRSA may pass it back and forth with a household pet until all carriers have been identified and treated.26 Dogs that visit health care facilities have also been implicated in the cycle of MRSA infection.27 Lyme Disease. Dogs can act as mechanical vectors of Lyme disease (or other tick-borne illnesses) by bringing infected ticks from the outdoors into a house. Persons removing ticks from pets without protection may risk infection with the Lyme spirochete. In households where pets go outside, Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases should be suspected even when affected persons report no outdoor activity. Pasteurella. Pasteurella spp. colonizes in the oral cavity of cats and dogs, and human infection can result from close animal contact via biting, scratching, licking, and kissing.28 Cat bites have been reported to cause wound infection more often than dog bites.28 In rare cases, Pasteurella can cause serious systemic diseases such as pneumonia and peritonitis. Psittacosis. Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, is caused by Chlamydophila (formerly Chlamydia) psittaci. From 1988 through 2003, there were 935 human cases of psittacosis reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and most resulted from exposure to infected pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and macaws.29 Exposure to feces or nasal secretions of infected birds can result in human infection. Infection commonly presents as a mild influenza-like illness, so the diagnosis may be overlooked. Rarely, it can progress to a significant pneumonia that usually responds to doxycycline (Vibramycin) or macrolides.30 Brucellosis. Brucella canis, a dog pathogen, is considered to be a rare cause of human brucellosis (most human cases are caused by the organism Brucella abortus transmitted through consumption of unpasteurized dairy products or exposure to infected livestock). Brucellosis is characterized by a febrile syndrome that may progress November 1, 2007 ◆ Volume 76, Number 9 to endocarditis. Recent reports suggest that blood tests for B. abortus may not detect B. canis infection, so the condition may be underdiagnosed.31 Mycobacterium Marinum Infection. “Fish tank granuloma,” caused by M. marinum, is mostly acquired from handling fish aquariums during cleaning or when changing the water. Although the typical infection is a localized granuloma of an upper extremity, M. marinum can cause disseminated disease in immunocompromised persons.32 Other Bacterial Infections. Cats that are in contact with wildlife may develop plague or tularemia, and cases of transmission to human household members, although rare, have been documented.33,34 arthropod infection Several strains of the scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, have adapted to specific host species. Dogs infected with S. scabiei canis may transmit the mite to humans. When such cross-species transmission occurs, the dog mite usually fails to reproduce and the infection may resolve spontaneously. viral infections Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a virus that infects hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, and other rodents kept as Routine antibiotic prophypets. Human infeclaxis may not be necessary tion from contact for all dog and cat bites, with these rodents but it should be considered may be asymptomif there are risk factors for atic or result in an infection. influenza-like illness with meningitis. There have been reports of fatal infection in organ transplant recipients exposed to pet rodents.35 Rabies. Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease that is rare in the United States. Because of routine vaccination of dogs and cats, most human cases are currently caused by wildlife rather than pet exposure. Despite the rarity of human infection, almost 40,000 postexposure prophylactic treatments are administered yearly following animal bites, with significant associated medical costs.36 Monkeypox. In 2003, an outbreak of monkeypox in the Midwest was traced to contact with infected prairie dogs sold as pets.37 The prairie dogs had acquired the virus from imported African rodents housed in the same pet stores. The occurrence was a reminder of the potential for the international trade in exotic pets to introduce emerging pathogens. www.aafp.org/afp American Family Physician 1319 Pet-Related Infections Animals as Sentinels of Human Infection Risk Although pets may function as vectors for various infectious agents, there is evidence that an illness diagnosed in a pet can be a “sentinel event,” warning the owners that they too may be at increased risk of infection. For example, because of their greater exposure to outdoor environments and heightened susceptibility to infection relative to humans, dogs have been proposed as sentinels for human Lyme disease risk.38 House cats have become infected with avian influenza virus through contact with infected birds,39 indicating their potential to detect avian influenza risk in the environment. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention To diagnose most pet-related infections, the physician must have an index of suspicion for zoonotic disease and routinely ask patients about the presence and health of pets in the household. Adequate care often involves treating both affected humans and pets, and may require coordination of care and communication between physicians and veterinarians.40,41 Routine veterinary care of pets can reduce the chance of zoonotic disease in their owners. Physicians can help educate patients who own pets about preventive steps to further minimize the risk of pet-associated infections. Although few studies have assessed the effectiveness of such measures, specific prevention guidelines involve common-sense measures, such as adequate handwashing, proper disposal of animal waste, and ensuring that infected animals are diagnosed and treated.42,43 To reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis, pregnant women should not change the litter box. Pregnant women should also avoid adopting or handling stray cats and should not feed cats undercooked meat. High-risk persons (i.e., immunocompromised patients, infants and children younger than five years, pregnant women, and older adults) should avoid reptiles, chicks, ducklings, young kittens and puppies, and animals with diarrhea. They should also exercise caution at farms and petting zoos. Tick control using topical acaricides for dogs in tickborne disease–endemic areas may reduce risk to dogs and their owners. Pet owners should avoid feeding dogs and cats raw meat to reduce transmission of pathogens. Empiric treatment with antibiotics should be considered in the management of pet bites, especially cat bites; bites to high-risk areas of the body, such as the face or hands; or in immunocompromised patients, although an evidence-based review has found a lack of supporting evidence for routine prophylaxis in dog and cat bites.44 Table 2 lists additional resources on pet-related infectious disease issues. The benefits of pet ownership, including positive effects on mental health, outweigh potential risks of infectious disease.45 The intimate relationship between humans and their pets appears to be bringing human and veterinary medicine into closer alignment.46 Recognizing the need for such collaboration, the American Medical Association adopted a “One Health” resolution Table 2. Resources for Information on Pet-Related Infections Resource Description American Veterinary Medical Association Web site: http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/ animal_health.asp Contains fact sheets on a number of topics, including toxoplasmosis and tick control Canary Database Web site: http://canarydatabase.org/ Includes evidence about animals serving as “sentinels” of infectious diseases and other human health hazards National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5605.pdf National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. Compendium of measures to prevent disease associated with animals in public settings, 2007. MMWR Recomm Rep 2007;56(RR-5):1-14. Provides information physicians can use to advise patients on preventive measures in public venues such as petting zoos Healthy Pets Healthy People Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/ Maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; provides information about specific pet diseases and prevention of human transmission 1320 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 76, Number 9 ◆ November 1, 2007 Pet-Related Infections in 2007, encouraging closer liaisons between health professionals who work with humans and those who work with animals. This could lead to improved understanding of pet-associated infections and enhance clinical efforts to detect and prevent them in humans and their animal companions. 10.Bharti AR, Nally JE, Ricaldi JN, Matthias MA, Diaz MM, Lovett MA, et al., for the Peru-United States Leptospirosis Consortium. Leptospirosis: a zoonotic disease of global importance. Lancet Infect Dis 2003; 3:757-71. The Authors 12.Inglesby TV, Dennis DT, Henderson DA, Bartlett JG, Ascher MS, Eitzen E, et al. Plague as a biological weapon: medical and public health management. Working Group on Civilian Biodefense. JAMA 2000;283:2281-90. PETER M. RABINOWITZ, MD, MPH, is an associate professor of medicine and director of clinical services in the occupational and environmental medicine program at Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. He received his medical degree from the University of Washington, Seattle, and completed a residency in family medicine at Natividad Medical Center, University of California School of Medicine, Salinas. He completed fellowships in general preventive medicine and occupational and environmental medicine and received his master of public health degree from Yale University School of Medicine. ZIMRA GORDON, DVM, MPH, is a staff veterinarian at Rippowam Animal Hospital, Stamford, Conn. She received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, Grafton, Mass., and her master of public health degree from Yale University School of Medicine. LYNDA ODOFIN, DVM, MSPH, is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at Yale University School of Medicine. She received her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, and her master of science in public health degree from Meharry University, Nashville, Tenn. Address correspondence to Peter M. Rabinowitz, MD, MPH, Yale University School of Medicine, 135 College St., 3rd Floor, New Haven, CT 06510 (e-mail: [email protected]). Reprints are not available from the authors. Author disclosure: Nothing to disclose. 1. Stehr-Green JK, Schantz PM. The impact of zoonotic diseases transmitted by pets on human health and the economy. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 1987;17:1-15. 2. Wise JK, Heathcott BL, Shepherd AJ, for the AVMA. Results of the 2002 AVMA survey of US pet-owning households regarding use of veterinary services and expenditures. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2003;222:1524-5. 3. Grant S, Olsen CW. Preventing zoonotic diseases in immunocompromised persons: the role of physicians and veterinarians. Emerg Infect Dis 1999;5:159-63. 4. Montoya JG, Liesenfeld O. Toxoplasmosis. Lancet 2004;363:1965-76. 5. Despommier D. Toxocariasis: clinical aspects, epidemiology, medical ecology, and molecular aspects. Clin Microbiol Rev 2003;16:265-72. 6. Gilbert DN, Moellering RC Jr, Eliopoulos GM, Sande MA, eds. Table 13A: Treatment of parasitic infections. In: Sanford JP, ed. The Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy 2007. 37th ed. Sperryville, Va.: Antimicrobial Therapy, 2007:122-30. 7. Gilbert DN, Moellering RC Jr, Eliopoulos GM, Sande MA, eds. Table 1: Clinical approach to initial choice of antimicrobial therapy. In: Sanford JP, ed. The Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy 2007. 37th ed. Sperryville, Va.: Antimicrobial Therapy, 2007:4-58. 8. Blumer JL. Pharmacologic basis for the treatment of tinea capitis. Pediatr Infect Dis J 1999;18:191-9. 9. Corbel MJ. Brucellosis: an overview. Emerg Infect Dis 1997;3:213-21. ◆ Volume 76, Number 9 13.Dennis DT, Inglesby TV, Henderson DA, Bartlett JG, Ascher MS, Eitzen E, et al., for the Working Group on Civilian Biodefense. Tularemia as a biological weapon: medical and public health management. JAMA 2001;285:2763-73. 14.Diagnosis and treatment of disease caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria. This official statement of the American Thoracic Society was approved by the Board of Directors, March 1997. Medical Section of the American Lung Association. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1997;156 (2 pt 2):S1-25. 15.Mathisen GE. Of mites and men—lessons in scabies for the infectious diseases clinician. Clin Infect Dis 1998;27:646-8. 16.Jackson AC. Recovery from rabies. N Engl J Med 2005;352:2549-50. 17. Boyer KM, Holfels E, Roizen N, Swisher C, Mack D, Remington C, et al., for the Toxoplasmosis Study Group. Risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in mothers of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis: implications for prenatal management and screening. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2005;192:564-71. 18.Schantz PM. Toxocara larva migrans now. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1989;41(3 suppl):21-34. 19.Chorazy ML, Richardson DJ. A survey of environmental contamination with ascarid ova, Wallingford, Connecticut. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2005;5:33-9. 20.Chrieki M. Echinococcosis—an emerging parasite in the immigrant population. Am Fam Physician 2002;66:817-20. 21. Schantz PM. Progress in diagnosis, treatment and elimination of echinococcosis and cysticercosis. Parasitol Int 2006;55(suppl):S7-S13. REFERENCES November 1, 2007 11. Wormser GP, Dattwyler RJ, Shapiro ED, Halperin JJ, Steere AC, Klempner MS, et al. 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